A. Zakia: The Man Who Preserved an Endangered Language

India’s cultural richness lies not only in its monuments and traditions but also in its hundreds of languages, many of which are spoken by small communities. Among the individuals who dedicated their lives to protecting this linguistic heritage is A. Zakia, a respected literary figure from Mizoram. Through his work as a teacher, journalist, editor, translator, and author, he played a crucial role in preserving the Mara language, one of India’s endangered tribal languages. His tireless efforts ensured that future generations would continue to learn, read, and communicate in their mother tongue.

Recognizing his lifelong contribution, the Government of India conferred upon him the Padma Shri in 2018, making him the first member of the Mara community to receive this prestigious civilian honour. His journey demonstrates how one individual can make an extraordinary difference in safeguarding a community’s cultural identity.

Early Life

A. Zakia was born in 1930 at Lorrain Ville in Saikho village, located in the present-day Siaha district of Mizoram. At a time when educational opportunities in the region were limited, he completed his schooling at the Government Middle School in his village.

Growing up in a tribal community gave him a deep appreciation for the Mara language and its oral traditions. As modernization gradually introduced English and dominant regional languages into everyday life, Zakia recognized that his native language faced the risk of decline. This realization became the guiding purpose of his life.

After completing his education, he chose a profession that allowed him to contribute directly to society—teaching.

A Distinguished Teaching Career

In 1952, A. Zakia joined the government education system as a primary school teacher. He spent the next 44 years educating children in Mizoram before retiring in 1996.

His contribution, however, extended beyond classroom instruction. He understood that education becomes truly effective only when children can study in their own language. This belief inspired him to develop quality educational resources in Mara.

His decades-long service earned him immense respect among students, fellow teachers, and the wider Mara community.

Champion of the Mara Language

The Mara language is spoken by a relatively small tribal population living mainly in southern Mizoram. Because of the growing influence of English and neighbouring languages, linguistic experts have classified Mara as an endangered language.

Rather than accepting this decline, A. Zakia devoted himself to preserving and strengthening the language.

He believed that a language survives only when it is actively used in education, literature, journalism, and everyday communication. Therefore, he worked tirelessly across all these fields, creating resources that would encourage both children and adults to continue using Mara.

His efforts helped strengthen the literary foundation of the language during a critical period when its future was uncertain.

Literary Contributions

A. Zakia authored more than ten books in the Mara language. His writings covered education, grammar, religion, and language development.

Among his most significant works are:

• Mara Grammar
• Children’s Bible (translated into Mara)

His Mara Grammar became a landmark publication. The Board of Mara Literature officially approved it as the standard grammar reference for schools and general use.

The book established uniform grammatical rules that helped students, teachers, and writers maintain consistency in written Mara. This achievement proved invaluable for the long-term development of the language.

His translation of the Children’s Bible also made important religious literature accessible to Mara-speaking children in their own language, encouraging literacy while preserving cultural identity.

Journalism and Editorial Work

Apart from teaching and writing, A. Zakia also made significant contributions to Mara journalism.

He served as a news editor for several magazines and publications dedicated to the Mara community. Through journalism, he encouraged the use of Mara in public communication and helped create a written culture around the language.

His editorial work promoted literature, social awareness, education, and community development while inspiring young writers to contribute to Mara publications.

In regions where newspapers and magazines often become the primary source of written language, his role as an editor greatly strengthened the status of Mara as a living language.

Translator and Language Developer

Between 1993 and 1996, A. Zakia served as the official translator of primary school textbooks for the Board of School Education of the Mara Autonomous District Council.

This responsibility required exceptional linguistic expertise because educational materials had to be translated accurately while remaining easy for young students to understand.

His translations allowed children to study various subjects in their native language, significantly improving educational accessibility.

This work also ensured that Mara remained relevant in formal education instead of being confined solely to conversation at home.

Recognition with the Padma Shri

The Government of India recognized A. Zakia’s lifelong dedication by awarding him the Padma Shri in 2018, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour.

The award acknowledged his extraordinary contribution to:

• Preservation of the Mara language
• Development of Mara literature
• Promotion of journalism
• Educational service
• Protection of tribal cultural heritage

The honour carried historic significance because he became the first person from the Mara tribe to receive a Padma Shri.

The recognition also brought national attention to the importance of preserving India’s endangered indigenous languages.

Protecting an Endangered Heritage

Languages are more than communication tools—they preserve history, folklore, traditions, and identity.

When a language disappears, generations of accumulated knowledge often disappear with it.

The Mara language has a relatively small number of speakers, making preservation efforts especially important.

Through textbooks, grammar books, journalism, translations, and literary works, A. Zakia created a strong written foundation that future generations can continue to build upon.

His work serves as an excellent example of how language preservation begins with education and literature rather than legislation alone.

Legacy

A. Zakia’s legacy extends far beyond his books.

He transformed the Mara language from a vulnerable tribal language into one with standardized educational materials and a growing body of literature.

His contributions continue to benefit:

• Students studying in Mara
• Teachers using standardized educational resources
• Writers producing new literature
• Researchers documenting tribal languages
• The Mara community seeking to preserve its cultural identity

His life demonstrates that preserving a language requires dedication, scholarship, and a lifelong commitment to one’s community.

Today, he is remembered not only as a teacher and author but also as one of the greatest champions of the Mara language.

Conclusion

A. Zakia devoted nearly his entire life to ensuring that the Mara language would survive in an era of rapid cultural and linguistic change. As a teacher, journalist, editor, translator, and author, he strengthened every aspect of Mara literature and education.

His Padma Shri was not merely an award for personal achievement—it was recognition of the importance of protecting India’s diverse linguistic heritage. His pioneering work continues to inspire educators, writers, linguists, and cultural activists across the country.

In preserving the Mara language, A. Zakia preserved the history, traditions, and identity of an entire community. His remarkable journey remains a shining example of how one individual’s dedication can safeguard a priceless cultural legacy for generations to come.